I wonder if anyone has had this experience? 3 weeks ago, a peacock butterfly appeared fluttering in the lounge. I'm assuming it had come in to hibernate, and woken when the heating was on more because of the snow/freezing weather.
Remembering what I'd seen in butterfly farms, I put out a dish with cotton wool and a mixture of honey&water, and it's been to feed. It's alternating between dormancy and fluttering up the curtains during the day, and is a gorgeous sight when it spreads its wings in all its glory!
My question is, will what I'm doing keep it alive until the weather is mild enough to release it, or could I do something else?
hi Helen
Welcome to the RSPB Forum - enjoy yourself
interesting that you have found a Peacock - butterflies are notorious for getting into the strangest places to hibernate. Last year, we came across a Peacock hiding under a plastic box in our garden
I was advised to put the butterfly into our garden shed, and leave it there (luckily the shed had areas for the butterfly to escape so it could move on if it wanted too)
I have found a link that will interest you about what you should do
http://www.britishbutterflies.co.uk/asp/winter.asp
It is interesting what views people have about hibernating butterflies. Other than the advise i have been given myself, there are other ideas in the link.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Thankyou! The website is really informative.
I think I'll leave our Peacock be, then, until the weather gets milder and just keep a pot of honey & water in case it needs it. Fingers crossed it survives behind the curtains!
Good wishes - Helen.